John Wall, Marcin Gortat, and the rest of the Washington Wizards apparently plan to "torture" Lonzo Ball when they meet today, but Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton is not concerned about this. Instead, he is focused on improving the rookie’s passing game.

Ball's father, Lavar, created a lot of hype with his passing skills throughout his career. Walton and his coaching staff are trying to figure out how the greatest passing point guards accomplished their skills. On their list are John Stockton, Steve Nash, and Jason Kidd.

A lot in common

“Just trying to find the best way to build out around the personnel we have,” Walton said as posted on ESPN.

Coach Walton and the rest of the Lakers’ staff have been watching the plays of three former NBA superstars in the hopes of integrating their styles for the rebuilding Los Angeles Lakers.

They would like to know how the pick-and-roll worked for John Stockton and Karl Malone, and Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire. But more importantly, they want to discover how Jason Kidd’s presence transformed the New Jersey Nets from perennial punching bags to two-time Eastern Conference champions.

According to Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN, Lonzo Ball somehow shares a lot in common with the former NBA superstar who now runs the play for the Milwaukee Bucks. Kidd averaged 14.7ppg, 9.9apg, and 7.3rpg during his first year with the Nets. During his first three games, Ball averaged 13.3ppg, 9.3rpg, and 8.7apg.

Magic Johnson is banking on Brandon Ingram to be Lonzo Ball’s benefactor the same way James Worthy was to him back during the "Showtime Lakers" days. Power forwards Julius Randle and Larry Nance, Jr., whom Walton believes are the fastest pair of 4s in the league, have proven their effectiveness on both ends of the court.

The Lakers were very lucky to receive Brook Lopez and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope during the offseason. Plus, Kyle Kuzma has been proving that his magnificent offense during the offseason was no fluke. If his numbers remain consistent, Jordan Clarkson may be locked to bag the Sixth Man of the Year award.

“We are looking at what we have as a team, what our biggest strengths and deficiencies are, and we are trying to cater toward what we feel can give us a chance at winning games,” said the Lakers head coach. Evidently, they cannot force Lonzo Ball into becoming a Jason Kidd in his maiden year, but you never know.

This area provides transparent information about Blasting News, our editorial processes and how we strive for creating trustworthy news. Moreover, it fulfills our commitment to The Trust Project - News with Integrity (Blasting News is not part of the programme yet).

This website uses profiling (non technical) cookies, also third parties cookies, in order to send advertising messages according to user's preferences. To know our policy or to deny the consent for cookies use click here. If you continue the navigation through accessing each element below or you close this banner you agree to the use of cookies